Day 2 in Dublin Bay…

Another two races on day 2 of the Irish National Championship in Dublin Bay saw two more different winners in this very competitive fleet. With the wind again from predominately the west, oscillations would measure up to 25 degrees in some shifts which kept everyone at full alert.  No time for “corner bashing”, no time to relax, just full on tacking and gybing on the substantial wind changes..

In race one of the day (race 3 of the series), the three leading boats after the first lap were passed on the final beat by eventual winner “Phantom” helmed by Neil Heggarty, crewed by Peter Bowering and David Williams. This very experienced local team who have won this title on numerous occasions always managed to keep in pressure and just stole the win from “Basilisk” on the finishing line. “Basilisk” is a Borresen Dragon from the late 80’s and still extremely competitive, sailed by owner Patrick Gifford and Tim but helmed by Patrick’s daughter Frances who normally races Merlin Rocket’s.

In race 2 of the day (race 4 of series), it was “Dublin Bay” helmed by Max Treacy, crewed by Anthony Shanks and Stephen Ackland, that seized the initiative shortly after the start by making the most of a right hand shift, whilst the majority of the fleet battled for pin end success. After making a sizeable jump on the fleet these young men in IRL 198 covered the fleet well to take the victory from “Little Fella” helmed by Cameron Goode, crewed by Simon Furney and Henry Kingston.

With 4 races of the 7 now completed it is very close at the top. 

Phantom leads on 7pts, Little Fella 8pts, Chimera 9pts and the Bear 11pts.

Higher, Faster, Longer…………..    Stavros.